Spartan Up

     This past weekend I was sitting down and thinking about how to challenge myself in a brand new way. As I was reflecting, I noticed one of my friends sent me a link to poem written by a Native American Shawnee Chief Tecumseh which is the poem read at the end of the film, “Act Of Valor”. There is a lot contained in the poem so plenty of ways for a person to gain knowledge or motivation after reading. Even if you only take one or two ideas from Shawnee Chief Tecumseh’s piece that to me is a success so on that note I say thank you Chief Tecumseh!

"So live your life so that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, and beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”

       With this poem in mind I decided to challenge myself. Find a way to challenge yourself so that you aren’t weeping, praying for a little more time to live differently down the road. For my challenge, I am training for a Spartan Race in Milwaukee, WI on November 1st. Over the next 5 weeks I will be doing burpies, squats, push-ups, and I’ll also be amping up my cardio training. I already feel refreshed, rejuvenated and excited to see what my mind and body can achieve through this chapter of my training! Feel free to follow me on this journey through my twitter @wellnessrf where you will also find my training and nutrition tips!

Ryan Fahey

Physical & Health Education Specialist

B.A Human Kinetics

CPTN Canada

FIS, PTS

The New Nutrition?

        I recently watched a documentary on Netflix entitled: Forks over Knives. I highly recommend you take time to watch it if you haven’t already, before you proceed with the rest of this blog. I also insist you read the book “The China Study” because this blog is a reflection of the research done and in no way do I believe that one way is best for everyone. However, I hope you take my words seriously and form your own opinion on your lifestyle choices after hearing all the info.

A friend and mentor from my home in Canada is the first person who got me intrigued with this topic. The documentary is a comprehensive work based on cellular health in relation to food intake. While I believe most people have heard the saying “you are what you eat,” I do not believe many of them follow sound nutrition intake. Dr. Campbell, one of the lead researches featured in the documentary, uses overwhelming research to show the difference between whole food diets vs. diets rich in animal based protein (meat, dairy products). He highlights the fact that each of us are expected to consume a 20% protein rich diet to sustain health each day. The problem (which is research uncovered) is that having a 20% diet rich in animal based protein promoted many forms of chronic diseases. Dr. Campbell focuses on many diseases that you can learn more about through the film or his book. However, the one that stuck out to me the most was his research on cardiovascular disease. The results he found were staggering. He was able to lower the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries surrounding the heart (which can cause heart attacks) simply by changing a person’s diet. 

       I don’t look at myself as being a bandwagon thinker and anyone that knows me can vouch for that. I rather function to model and educate on how to live the most rewarding lifestyle and the evidence from the mentioned documentary and book seems to clearly show that a whole food diet rich is plant based protein could be the difference in living a GOOD life until around 55 years of age and living the BEST life at still around 80 years of age. Still, I encourage everyone to do their own research before changing any diet you may be on. We must remember to ask questions when wanting to better ourselves and that includes those who want to become less 'reactionary eaters' to compliment the busy lives we try to manage each day. Please leave any comments below or tweet me @wellnessrf to learn more about personal changes I have made since reading “The China Study.”

Ryan Fahey

Physical & Health Education Specialist

B.A Human Kinetics

CPTN Canada

FIS, PTS